SCAN THIS QR CODE TO VIEWONLINE MAGAZINE

healthy valley®

RGV

ISSUE 67

DRISCOLLMaternal Fetal Medicine Expanding Care to Empower Patients

LIVER CIRRHOSIS

4OSTEOPOROSISIn wOmEn

HIDDEN SIGNS OF

DECODInG SUnSCREEnS

Start the Conversation About ADVAnCE CARE PLAnnInG

Contact@HealthyMagazine.com | 1430 South DIxie Hwy, suite 315 | Coral Gables, FL 33146 | PH 305-395-4554 www.HealthyMagazine.com

WH

AT

’SINSIDEhv

HEALTHY BODY, MIND & SOUL

FITNES & BEAUTY

HEALTHY KIDS

10. DRISCOLL MATERNAL FETAL MEDICINE EXPANDING CARE TO EMPOWER PATIENTS12. THANK GOODNESS FOR MOTHERHOOD

36. TITLE BOXING CLUB38. BINGE EATING DISORDER40. COOLSCULPTING

ISSUE 67

16. START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT ADVANCE CARE PLANNING24. BETTER HEARING & SPEECH MONTH26. HYPOTHYROIDISM IN WOMEN28. LIVER CIRRHOSIS30. 4 HIDDEN SIGNS OF OSTEOPOROSIS IN WOMEN34. WHEN PAINFUL MENSTRUATION OCCURS, ACUPUNCTURE CAN HELP

PublisherMauricio Portillo

Editor in ChiefClaudia Portillo Del Valle

Marketing DirectorArnaldo Del Valle

Copy EditorLora Incardona

Website DirectorHealthy Media

Graphic DesignHealthy Media

PhotographyHMG

Contributing WritersBillie Marek, M.D.S Murthy Badiga, MD, FACGRitu Goel, M.D.Megan Clunan, MA, LMHC, LPCConsuelo Camarillo De G. Lic. AC, M.D.Thierry Jacquemin, M.D. Maria Luisa SalcinesAndreea MacoveiciucLora incardonaRubel ShellyFrankie RuizSteve Stanley

Social Media DirectorFaride Del Valle

Welcome back! I would like to dedicate this issue to the extraordinary women who read this magazine. As a woman, I have embraced the importance of communicating with love and investing my time without boundaries. I have learned the art of balance, which makes it possible to work and deliver my best and still be a wonderful mother, spouse and woman.

I can tell you without reservation that it does not matter if you work at home or in an office, that despite your position in life, you can always be a fabulous woman. What matters is your input, your determination in your role as a woman and the understanding that you are the greatest person for the role that you are set to do and that you are valuable to society.

Pregnancy, what an exciting time for any family. For most, the nine months of fetal development and changes in the expectant mother’s body go as expected. For others, there are some concerns that need to be addressed. Now, instead of having to go out of the Valley to get proper care, mothers and their unborn children can receive the care they need in McAllen, thanks to the Driscoll facility for maternal fetal care. This month, doctors Anna B. Gonzalez, MD, and Ryan Loftin, MD, FACOG, talk to us about the maternal fetal medicine care that Driscoll Children’s Hospital has made available to mothers here in the Rio Grande Valley.

The Healthy Valley lifestyle is one that I personally strive to achieve; I want to be the healthiest I can be and contribute to making a positive difference in the communities around me. Every day I wake up with new ideas, many times inspired by our readers and the fabulous communities that are such an important part of this magazine. We invite you to share our magazine, write to us and become a member of our family by contributing your ideas, which we highly value in our efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of our readers through every issue we publish. And not least, to the woman who is holding this magazine in her hands today and to those who have stepped up to be mothers to those without, Healthy Valley Magazine honors you as we celebrate mothers this May!

Enjoy life. Be healthy.

cportillo@healthyvalleyonline.com

healthy magazine is a free monthly publication. All contents are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. The material in this magazine is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments. healthy magazine and its contributors accept no responsibility for inaccuracies, and the advertiser is solely responsible for ad content and holds publisher harmless from any error. Printed in Mexico

Contact@HealthyMagazine.com1430 South DIxie Hwy, suite 315Coral Gables, Fl 33146PH 305-395-4554

www.HealthyMagazine.com

Editor in ChiefClaudia Portillo

hv

10. DRISCOLL MATERNAL FETAL MEDICINE

EXPANDING CARE TO EMPOWER PATIENTS

12. THANK GOODNESS FOR MOTHERHOOD

Kids

hE

ALT

hy

hv

10 HEALTHY VALLEY

HV HealtHy kids

The Driscoll Health System’s Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) program provides Rio Grande Valley women guidance and support for those dealing with difficult pregnancies. The main focus of Driscoll’s MFM team - which includes Ryan Loftin, MD, Anna Gonzalez, MD, Whitney Gonsoulin, MD and John Visintine, MD - is to identify and manage maternal and fetal high risk pregnancy-related conditions.

By Lora Incardona

DRISCOLLMaternal Fetal Medicine

Expanding Care to Empower PatientsTh

e D

risc

oll H

ealt

h Sy

stem

’s M

ater

nal F

etal

Med

icin

e te

am in

clud

es (f

rom

left

): Ry

an L

oftin

, MD

, Ann

a G

onza

lez,

MD

, Whi

tney

Gon

soul

in, M

D (s

eate

d) a

nd J

ohn

Visi

ntin

e, M

D.

11HEALTHY VALLEY

For Dr. Gonzalez, it’s also a chance to give back to a community that means a lot to her.

“It is exciting for me to be back in my hometown of McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley providing care for women who truly need it,” Dr. Gonzalez said.

As a maternal fetal specialist, the doctors actually are caring for two people. They look after the mother, while at the same time making sure they are doing the best they can for the baby.

Because pregnancy can have an impact on the woman’s health and the woman’s health conditions can impact the development of the baby, we strive to help create a plan that will reduce risks for both.

Dr. Loftin

“In the case of an identified birth defect or other complication, we help provide counseling regarding the expectations at the time of delivery and afterwards. We work with the patient’s obstetrician to help improve the chances of a good pregnancy outcome for both mom and baby.”

The earlier an expectant mother can see a maternal fetal specialist, the better. Sometimes, that even includes a visit before becoming pregnant.

“Depending on the reason for the visit, some women may need to be seen before becoming pregnant to discuss risks and how to reduce them,” Dr. Loftin said. “In other cases, we see the patient in the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Any time a concern is raised during the pregnancy, we strive to provide clarity about what is going on and the next steps for evaluation and management. If concerns arise for increased risk for the pregnancy for any reason, we are available for evaluation of the pregnant woman and her baby.”

A visit with a maternal fetal specialist is especially vital for those with higher risk for pregnancy complications. That would include women with a family history of genetic disorders or birth defects, women

The Driscoll program for maternal fetal care is dedicated to treating and coordinating the treatment of all medical illnesses during pregnancy, from high blood pressure to diabetes. It’s also focused on coordinating the care of patients with kidney failure or cancer and to reducing the rate of premature and early births. South Texas’ growing population and the importance of the Valley’s health are only a part of the center’s mission.

“It’s rewarding for all of us to take care of moms at such an important time in their lives and try to get them to have the healthiest pregnancies possible,” said Anna B. Gonzalez, M.D., a maternal fetal medicine specialist with Driscoll Health System.

The testing available at the Maternal Fetal Medicine program can help assure a healthy pregnancy, but it also takes trust. That trust is built with a doctor-patient relationship as the patient’s confidence in their care blossoms.

“I consider it my responsibility to continually earn my patients’ trust and treat every patient like I would treat my own family,” said Ryan Loftin, MD, FACOG, one of the maternal fetal medicine (MFM) doctors at Driscoll. “As doctors, we’re privileged to have the trust of our patients. Mothers and pregnant women are willing to sacrifice almost anything to protect their children and, as a parent, I can sympathize with the lengths that one would go to for their children.”

At Driscoll, it’s that kind of relationship and the outstanding patient-focused care that contribute to the quality services provided by the Maternal Fetal Medicine program. With offices in McAllen, Edinburg and Harlingen, the program offers diagnosis and treatment procedures and is actively involved in providing patient care for the mother and child after delivery. Medical and surgical treatments for the fetus also can be offered when needed.

“I’m honored to be able to help care for women with complicated pregnancies,” Dr. Loftin said. “Pregnancy is an exciting, but also stressful and sometimes scary time in a woman’s life. Many patients dread the thought of being referred to a ‘specialist.’ Our goal is to alleviate these fears but, when necessary, discuss options to improve the well-being of the woman, her unborn child and her family.”

younger than 17 or older than 35 as well as women with a body weight that’s too low or within the overweight and obesity range. Women with medical illnesses during or prior to pregnancy also are advised to see a specialist for screening tests and ultrasound evaluation.

“Our most common referrals are for abnormal genetic screening testing, twins or triplets, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, asthma or autoimmune diseases such as lupus or arthritis,” Dr. Loftin said. “Because we have such a close relationship with the pediatric subspecialists, we are able to prepare families for the realities of having a difficult pregnancy and what to expect after their baby is born. We have staff dedicated to helping patients navigate the systems of caring for babies born with birth defects or other problems.”

Finding out there could be an issue with your unborn child is one of the scariest times in a woman’s life. That’s why it’s advised to start thinking about pregnancy early and ask for a doctor’s help if concerns come up during pregnancy. Doctors recommend following a healthy diet and exercising moderately to reduce risks to your baby and to avoid pregnancy-related complications.

“Even mildly elevated blood sugars have been shown to have worse outcomes for both the pregnant woman and her baby,” Dr. Loftin said. “Nine months of pregnancy is such a short time and the period of fetal development is extremely sensitive to abnormal blood sugars. Increasing medical studies have shown that babies exposed to high blood sugars are not only at risk for immediate fetal and newborn issues but long-term health concerns through childhood and adulthood. Many pregnancy-related obstacles can be improved through a healthy lifestyle.”

-------------------------------------------------------------Driscoll Maternal-Fetal Medicine Edinburg

2821 Michael Angelo Drive, #302Edinburg, Texas 78539

956-688-1289

Driscoll Maternal-Fetal Medicine McAllen 1120 East Ridge Road, Suite 220

McAllen, Texas956-688-1289

Driscoll Maternal-Fetal Medicine Harlingen2121 Pease Street, #604Harlingen, Texas 78550

956-421-1730

”

“

12 HEALTHY VALLEY

Motherhood is not a profession you can learn about in a book. It’s not something you inherit from your mother like beautiful hair or strong nails. For some women, motherhood is an overwhelming responsibility. For others, it is a natural stepping stone to another phase in life. Regardless of how you feel about it, once you become mother it is a lifetime commitment.

I was raised in a family by a mother whose existence was centered in motherhood. There is something very comforting about knowing you are loved in this way. It is like always having a soft blanket of love—you know it’s there whether you need it or not.

When I was little I loved to play dolls. When I got older I loved to be around children. I am happiest when I am mothering someone, a trait my younger brother didn’t always appreciate when we were growing up.

My oldest son made a difficult entry into the world. After 24 hours of labor, he burst into my life looking like a boxer. He had forceps marks on his face and body, and one eye was swollen shut. The moment they placed him on my stomach bundled in a blanket, I felt a deep love that comes with holding your first born. Two years later, when I became pregnant again, I wondered how I would be able to have enough love to share with another baby. When my second son was born and placed into my arms, I held the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. Once again I experienced that unique kind of love that links a woman with her son.

Thirteen years later, I became a mother again, this time of a beautiful daughter whose arrival in our lives blessed our family with joy. It was wonderful after so many years to once again hold a baby in my arms. My daughter’s sweetness amazed and engulfed me with love. This time around I knew how fast children grow and I cherished every moment I had with her. I became selfish with my time. I found the weeks slipping past me without having accomplished much of anything. Stacks of unfinished articles, short stories and unread books lay on my desk. The wonderful thing about it was that I didn’t feel guilty about doing nothing more than just being her mother. I was older this time around, more secure about my parenting skills, and I worried less and enjoyed my baby more.

I look at my children, now ages 31, 28 and 16, with gratitude and wonder. I am the mother of three very special individuals who radiate a warm feeling from which I draw strength and courage. My first born taught me to be a mother. With him I learned to give unselfishly of my love. My second son guided me into maturity and I learned from being his mother. My daughter is a bright star sent from heaven whose existence fills my heart with awe-inspiring love. Charles Dickens said it best when he said, “I love these little people; and it is not a slight thing, when they, who are so fresh from God, love us.”

My children and now my grandchildren are the core and source of my happiness.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Maria Luisa Salcines is a freelance writer, certif ied parent educator and parent coach with The International Network for Children and Families in Redirecting Children’s Behavior, Redirecting for a Cooperative Classroom, and Redirecting Corporate America. Contact her at her website at www.redirectingchildrenrgv.org.

Thank Goodness for MOTHERHOODBy Maria Luisa Salcines

1/2 PAGE (NO BLEED)7.5” x 4.75”

1/2 PAGE (NO BLEED)7.5” x 4.75”

AD PAGE

14. START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT ADVANCE CARE PLANNING

24. BETTER HEARING & SPEECH MONTH

26. HYPOTHYROIDISM IN WOMEN

28. LIVER CIRRHOSIS

30. 4 HIDDEN SIGNS OF OSTEOPOROSIS IN WOMEN

34. WHEN PAINFUL MENSTRUATION OCCURS, ACUPUNCTURE CAN HELP

BodyMind &Soul

hE

ALT

hy

hv

16 HEALTHY VALLEY

HV

McALLEN

For more information about cancer prevention, please visit www.TexasOncology.com or call 1-888-864-I CAN (4226).

Dr. Billie Marek is a medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–McAllen, 1901 South Sec-ond Street in McAllen, Texas.Billie Marek, M.D., Texas Oncology–McAllen

>

HealtHy body

Start the Conversation About ADVAnCE CARE PLAnnInG

In our dynamic, free society, we make many choices every day about how we live our lives. However difficult and uncomfortable, it’s also important to consider in advance important choices about managing the end of life. If you and your family enjoy good health, it’s hard to imagine a time when you would be unable to express your wishes about an important healthcare matter.

But we should imagine being in that situation. And then we should clearly voice our carefully considered wishes while we can, rather than leave distraught loved ones to guess and speculate.

Advance care planning focuses attention on the benefits of planning ahead, which include:• Providing the opportunity to calmly

consider and discuss your wishes before a crisis,

• Ensuring that your choices are clearly articulated and respected, and

• Easing the burden on your loved ones of making difficult decisions

This year, my colleagues and I urge you to mark this day by considering the importance of making healthcare decisions and taking action to make your wishes known to your family and friends. Research shows that most Americans have heard of living wills, advance directives and similar documents that make healthcare wishes clear but few take advantage of these options.

Creating a plan in case of a health crisis doesn’t mean that a crisis is imminent any more than having a spare tire in your trunk means you’ll have a blowout today. Both are good common sense and immensely helpful if needed. Advance healthcare decisions won’t bring a health crisis any closer but they will make one easier to navigate for you and your loved ones.

Decisions about critical care are difficult under the best circumstances. In an emergency, the first instinct is to do everything possible to fix the emergency but that may not be consistent with the patient’s wishes. Discussing personal healthcare choices before they are needed provides the necessary guidance to put choices into action in critical times.

All parents understand that making decisions for another person is a weighty

By Billie Marek, M.D., Texas Oncology–McAllen

responsibility. Parents can be confident that their wisdom and experience (usually) make them better decision-makers than their toddler. But when the roles are suddenly reversed, your loved ones may not instinctively know what is best.

That’s why it’s important to take the time now, outside of a high pressure situation, to think through values and priorities and to learn about various healthcare options to determine which are acceptable to you and which are not.

Your personal values should be the basis of the choices you outline and those wishes deserve to be respected.

For current patients at Texas Oncology, advance care planning can involve a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, and possibly a social worker to review the patient’s circumstances and the potential medical choices that lie ahead.

Everyone, in every state of health, should communicate their wishes to their loved ones and healthcare providers. Visit www.TexasOncology.com to learn more about advance care planning and the helpful resources that we offer.

When I was diagnosed with colon cancer, I partnered with Texas Oncology. They’re right down the street, and they’re also part of the largest network of cancer specialists, researchers and treatment centers in the country. That gives me access to the combined wisdom of more than 1,600 oncologists. With their help — and the support of my family — I’m ready for this fi ght because Texas Oncology is on my side.

1-888-864-I CAN (4226) • www.TexasOncology.com

HOW TEXANS FIGHT CANCER.

TEXAS ONCOLOGY–MCALLEN1901 South 2nd Street McAllen, Texas 78503956-687-5150

F I G H TC O L O NC A N C E R

YEARS

MORE THAN

Texas Oncology delivers high-quality cancer care with leading-edge technology and advanced treatment options to help patients achieve “More breakthroughs. More victories.” in their fights against cancer. Texas Oncology, a pioneer in community-based cancer care, is an inde-pendent oncology practice with sites of service throughout Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Texas Oncology patients have the oppor-tunity to take part in some of the most promising clinical trials in the nation for a broad range of cancers. In fact, Texas Oncology has played an integral role in gaining Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for 29 of the latest cancer therapies.

Dr. Marek is board-certified and specializes in medical oncology and hematology. He currently serves as a director of Texas Oncology and is the medical director for Texas Oncology-McAllen. He has served the Rio Grande Valley for the past 22 years as a medical oncologist and hematolo-gist, has been recognized as a “Super Doctor” in oncology for five years in a row, and was rec-ognized as Doctor of The Year for Rio Grande Regional. Dr. Marek received his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio. He completed his fellowship at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Billie J. Marek, M.D., FACPMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

“I can be part of your team… and together we can fight the battle.”Dr. Restrepo specializes in, medical oncology and hematology. He completed his fellowship at the University of Miami. He also serves on the Breast Cancer Committee of US Oncology and has completed a fellowship in breast cancer treatment. Through the Life Beyond Cancer Funda-tion he established the Texas Oncology–McAllen Breast Cancer Ride/Walk fundraiser to raise funds for Rio Grande Valley cancer patients. To date approximately $30,000 has been donated

to cancer patients in the Rio Grande Valley.

Alvaro Restrepo, M.D.Medical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Dr. Ratnam has been with Texas Oncology-McAllen for 13 years, which he joined after com-pleting his fellowship at the renowned National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. He has co-authored several research publications and is passionate about cutting-edge oncology care. He currently serves on the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee of US Oncology and chairman of the Credentials Committee for South Texas Health System.

Suresh Ratnam, M.D., FACPMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

McAllen 1901 South 2nd Street McAllen, Texas 78503 PH: 956.687.5150 FAX: 956.687.9546www.TexasOncology.com

McALLEN

Dr. Wahid was fellowship-trained in medical oncology and hematology at Columbia Univer-sity College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. He has been recognized as Physician

of the Year at Rio Grande State Center in Harlingen where he has served as senior attending physician for the past 13 years.

Nurul Wahid, M.D.Medical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Dr. Litam was fellowship-trained at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He is well known in the community and was in private practice for 27 years before join-

ing Texas Oncology. He has special interest in treating solid tumors.

Joseph Litam, M.D.Medical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Dr. Shekar specializes in medical oncology and hematology. She completed her fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland and trained at The Univer-sity of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Nirupama Shekar, M.D.Medical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Dr. West is a board-certified radiation oncologist. He was a physicist prior to becoming a physi-cian.

Benjamin West, M.D.Radiation Oncolog y

Dr. Lazo specializes in medical oncology and hematology. He completed his fellowship at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He is a recipient of several awards includ-ing the American Society of Clinical Oncology Merit Award and is the author of several peer-reviewed medical publications as well as book chapters. He received the highest honors on the professional examination for his medical doctorate degree.

Guillermo Lazo, M.D.Medical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Dr. Salinas is a board-certified radiation oncologist. He completed his residency training at Me-morial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center in New York followed by his fellowship at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Rogelio Salinas, M.D.Radiation Oncolog y

“Cancer prevention is a high priority. My aim is to identify individuals who may be at high risk for cancer and work with them to develop a plan to reduce that risk.”

Debbie Gillett is a nurse practitioner.

Debbie Gillett , R .N., N.P.Nurse Practitioner

Dr. Cisneros specializes in hematology and oncology. She completed her residency in internal medicine as well as her fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. She is board-certified by the American

Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Laura E . Cisneros, M.D.Medical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Dr. Nabeel Sarhill is board-certified in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine. He earned his medical doctor-ate from the University of Tishreen Medical School in Lattakia, Syria, and completed his residency in internal medicine at Case Wester Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. His fellowship in hematology was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas, and his clinical research fellowship in medicine and symptoms management at The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Nabeel Sarhill is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncol-ogy, American Society of Hematology, Syrian Medical Association, Syrian Ministry of Health, American Board of Hematology, American Board of Medical Oncology, and the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Nabeel SarhillMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Harlingen 2121 Pease Street, Suite 101 Harlingen, Texas 78550 PH: 956.425.8845 FAX: 956.364.6793

Dr. Araneda specializes in medical oncology and is board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. He received his medi-cal degree from San Carlos University in Guatemala and completed a medical oncology fellowship at East Tennessee State Universi-ty, Johnson City, Tennessee, as well as a fellowship in bone marrow transplantation at the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. He has special interests in breast cancer, gastrointestinal malignancies, hematologic malignancies, and molecular targeted therapy.

Marco A . Araneda, M.D.Medical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

HARLINGEN

Dr. West is a board-certified radiation oncologist. He was a physicist prior to becoming a physi-cian.

Benjamin West, M.D.Radiation Oncolog y

4770 N. Expressway 83, Suite 305A Brownsville, TX 78526 PH: 956-350-3975 FAX: 956-350-3425

2150 N. Expressway 83 Brownsville, TX 78521 PH: 956-548-0810 FAX: 956-548-2239

Dr. Gonzalez specializes in radiation oncology and internal medicine. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine as well as the American Board of Radiology, and is a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (AS-TRO), American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO). He completed his fellowship in radiation oncology at Roswell Park Can-cer Institute, in Buffalo, New York, and also completed a second residency in radiation oncology at Jackson Memorial Hospital/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, in Miami, Florida. Aside from his medical practice, Dr. Gonzalez is a Christian lay minister and a student of ancient Greek.

Carlos Gonzalez-Angulo, M.D.Radiation Oncolog y

Balesh Sharma, M.D. specializes in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology. He is board certified by in medical oncology. Dr. Sharma received an M.D. Delhi University in New Delhi, India, in 1990, where he also completed his residency in Anesthesia and Critical Care in 1991. He completed his medical internship at Lincoln Medical Center in New York in 1992-93. Dr. Sharma completed his residency in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in affiliation with Yale University School of Medicine, Connecticut. In 1998, he completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, and has been in private practice since then.

Balesh Sharma, M.D.Medical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Dr. Boek is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology. Prior to him joining Texas Oncology, he conducted clinical research as part of the North Central Cancer Treatment group.

Marcelo Boek, M.D.Medical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

BROWNSVILLE

Rebecca is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner as well as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. She has a varied and extensive background in nursing to include radiation oncology, medical insurance and medical research. Her work as a nurse

practitioner has included pediatrics, general family practice and most recently medical oncology.

Rebecca Garza, R .N., B.S.N., M.S., F.N.P.Nurse Practit ioner

Dr. Doctor specializes in general adult and pediatric urology; urologic oncology; male dysfunction; urinary incontinence and no scalpel vasectomy. Dr. Shamoon Doctor earned his medical degree from Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, India in 1960. Following graduation, he specialized in general surgery and worked as a general surgeon in Zambia, Africa for five years. He then returned to Canada and specialized in urology. He has practiced urology in Canada and the United States sincce 1974, having practiced in Del Rio, Texas for over 30 years.

Shamoon Doctor, M.D.Urolog y

TEXAS UROLOGYSPECIALIST

1/2 PAGE (NO BLEED)7.5” x 4.75”

1/2 PAGE (nO BLEED)7.5” x 4.75”

WESLACO

Dr. Farray is board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He received his medical degree in 1998 from the Uni-versidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena in the Dominican Republic and completed his residency in internal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his fellowship in medical oncology and hematology in 2006 at Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Cen-ter/Loyola University Chicago. Dr. Farray ranked first in his medical school class. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American College of Physicians.

Daniel Farray, M.D.Medical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

Weslaco 1330 East 6th Street, Suite 204 Weslaco, Texas 78596 PH: 956.969.0021 FAX: 956.968.9744

Dr. Ghaddar specializes in medical oncology and hematology. He is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in hematology and medical oncology. He received his medical degree from the American University of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the Good Samaritan Hospital/John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. He completed his fellowship in hematology/oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Hous-

ton, TX. He has been in practice with Texas Oncology since 1995.

Habib Ghaddar, M.D., FACPMedical Oncolog y/Hematolog y

1 PAGE AD (BLEED SIZE)8.5” x 11” + 0.25” BLEED

Valley Ear, Nose and Throat

Specialists, P.A.

MCALLEN 956.687.78962101 S. Cynthia,

Plex A

RIO GRANDE CITY 956.488.8787

5326 E. Hwy 83 Bldg A, Suite 1

WESLACO 956.973.9228

910 E. 8th, Suite 2

BROWNSVILLE 956.350.8787

4770 N. Expressway 77, Suite 304

HARLINGEN 956.428.4221

510 Victoria Lane, Suite 5

KEITH A. PICOU, M.D.Board Certified Dermatology &

Otolaryngology

GREGORY S. ROWIN, D.O.Board Certified Otolaryngologist

JAMES J. SORCE, M.D.Board Certified Otolaryngology

TURNER WRIGHT, M.D., F.A.C.S.Board Certified Otolaryngology

BETTER HEARING

SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN, YOUTH AND ADULTS:

CHILDREN & YOUTH• Lack of attention to sounds (birth-1 year)

• Does not respond when you call his/her name (7 months-1 year)

• Does not follow simple directions (1-2 years)

• Shows delays in speech and language development (birth-3 years)

• Pulls or scratches at his/her ears

• Difficulty achieving academically, especially in reading and math

• Socially isolated and unhappy in school

• Persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise (regular and constant listening to electronics at high volumes)

• See a Valley Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists if your child did not pass the newborn hearing screening

• See a Valley Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists if you have any concerns about your child’s hearing (some hearing losses can begin months or years after birth)

• Ask a Valley Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists about the need for hearing aids or cochlear implants

Adults• Inattentiveness

• Buzzing or ringing in their ears

• Failure to respond to spoken words

• Persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise (regular and constant listening to electronics at high volumes)

• Muffled hearing

• Constant frustration hearing speech and other sounds

• Avoids conversation

• Social isolation

• Depression

BETTER HEARING& SPEECH MONTHCommunication Disorders are treatable

F. ROBERT GLATZ, M.D.Board Certified Otolaryngologist

JOSEPH HEMER, D.O.Board Certified Otolaryngologist

ALASTAIR G. L NN-MACRAE, M.D.Board Certified Otolaryngology

SIMON MILOV, M.D.Board Certified Otolaryngology

The early stages of communication disorders are easier to spot when you know the signs. Early detection can improve treatment and quality of life.

26 HEALTHY VALLEY

Some research has estimated that thyroid dysfunction is present in as much as 10% of the U.S. population. Contrary to what most people believe, hypothyroidism, or low thyroid, is not a disease exclusively of women, although it is more prevalent in women than in men and does tend to have a genetic component. Neither is it just about having a few pounds to lose; rather it is an all-encompassing condition with multiple and diverse manifestations.

Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism are low energy levels, menstrual irregularities, headaches, mood swings, weight gain, cold hands and feet, and low heart rate. Hypothyroidism is not just one disease. It is an umbrella term, or an endpoint of a greater problem. It can indicate many conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lymphocytic thyroiditis, pituitary tumors, severe iodine deficiency and heart disease, that likely require medical attention.

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped organ housed in the front of the neck. It is very much a powerhouse gland that controls the way the body uses energy and makes T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) hormones that are to be carried to every tissue in the body. Think of T3 as the crucial component in the matter. The thyroid gland is stimulated by the pituitary gland in the brain to make its magic happen. T3 is absolutely necessary to activate many neurotransmitters, like dopamine and

By Thierry Jacquemin, M.D.

HYPOTHYROIDISM in women

So here we are, and

it’s time to talk about

a very important

subject for women:

hypothyroidism.

epinephrine (a.k.a. adrenaline), so in states of low T3 (like hypothyroidism) dopamine levels can drop. As dopamine levels drop, there is an increased link with depression and low motivation because dopamine is involved in the creation of feelings of happiness and drive. If you believe that you are suffering from thyroid disease, set up an appointment with a qualified physician to be tested.

At a minimum, request: • a TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone)

test to be sure that the secretion of TSH is being instructed,

• a TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test to measure how much T4 the thyroid is being asked to make (An abnormally high level indicates that there is not enough T4 in the blood.),

• a free T4 test to measure how much T4 is able to move from the blood and enter the cells, and

• a free T3 test to help determine metabolism issues.

Several other blood tests, such as antibody testing, are also strongly recommended.

Needless to say, prevention and early detection are key, so stay informed, be pro-active about your health and don’t give up until you are satisfied that your doctor or doctors have thoroughly examined your situation and have provided effective treatment, if necessary.

AD PAGE

28 HEALTHY VALLEY

HV

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by long-term inflammation or disease of the liver. Scar tissue replaces the normal healthy liver tissue, causing impairment of liver function and blockage of blood flow through the liver. As a result, the liver becomes leathery and nodular. A healthy liver makes proteins, helps fight infections, cleans the blood, helps digest food and stores a form of sugar that is used by the body for energy. A severely scarred, or cirrhotic, liver cannot function properly and can cause various symptoms and ill effects. One cannot live without a working liver but early treatment can control the symptoms and keep cirrhosis from getting worse.

LIVERCirrhoSiSBy S Murthy Badiga, MD, FACG

and brain as a result of loss of “refinery function” of the liver, resulting in confusion and sleepiness (hepatic encephalopathy)

• Increased pressure in the veins entering the liver because the leathery cirrhotic liver does not allow normal free flow of blood through it (portal hypertension). This in turn leads to engorgement of collateral veins causing varices in the esophagus and stomach that can rupture and cause serious and life threatening bleeding resulting in vomiting of blood or blood in the bowel movement.

• Yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, called jaundice, due to increased deposition of bilirubin pigment

• Serious itching when bile ducts are blocked• A small number of patients do develop liver

cancer as a complication of liver cirrhosis.

HOW IS CIRRHOSIS DIAGNOSED?By physical examination the doctor can identify the signs of cirrhosis, which include spider veins, jaundice, protuberant abdomen, leg swelling, a certain smell on the breath called fetor hepaticus (a musty sweet odor), flapping tremor of the extremities, bulging veins that snake out from the belly button (caput medusae), enlarged liver (in later stages the liver actually shrinks in size) and enlarged spleen.

Blood tests help doctors further evaluate for liver disease and determine the liver function. These may include CBC (complete blood count), blood chemistry tests, liver function tests (LFTs), test of clotting proteins such as prothrombin time (PT) and a whole host of specialized tests to zero in on various types of hepatitis and other chronic liver disorders. An elevated plasma ammonia level is associated with liver related confusion

WHAT CAUSES CIRRHOSIS?• Heavy alcohol use• Chronic hepatitis C (and less commonly B

and D)• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which is

often caused by obesity• Auto-immune hepatitis, wherein the body’s

immune system destroys the liver cells• Some drugs, medicines and harmful

chemicals • Infections• Diseases that damage or destroy bile ducts

(tubes that carry bile from the liver)• Some inherited diseases

• Hemochromatosis: a disease that leads to iron deposition in the liver

• Wilson’s disease: a condition that results in accumulation of copper in the liver

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CIRRHOSIS? There usually are no symptoms in early stages of cirrhosis. As cirrhosis gets worse one may develop:• Weakness and tiredness• Loss of appetite• Abdominal discomfort• Weight loss• Spider shaped blood vessels under the skin

Cirrhosis may lead to more serious problems such as:• Easy bruising because of impaired

production of clotting proteins by the cirrhotic liver and decreased platelets as a result of an enlarged spleen, which is often associated with liver cirrhosis

• Bloating or swelling may occur due to fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) and legs (edema)

• Waste materials may build up in the blood

HealtHy body

or stupor (hepatic encephalopathy) and often is measured as well. Blood tests in conjunction with examination findings allow the doctors to grade the severity of cirrhosis.

Imaging tests, such as an abdominal sonogram, a CT and an MRI, are performed to evaluate the size, shape and texture of the liver, size of the spleen and to exclude tumors.

Occasionally, a liver biopsy is done but, in most cases, the physical examination, blood tests and imaging studies are enough to make the diagnosis of cirrhosis.

HOW IS CIRRHOSIS TREATED?There is no treatment that can make the scar tissue of cirrhosis go away. But, luckily, the liver does regenerate, or produce new cells, and by removing the cause or treating it, cirrhosis can be kept from getting worse, e.g., complete cessation of drinking alcohol in alcoholic liver cirrhosis, treatment of hepatitis C or auto-immune hepatitis with medicine. Treatment generally is based on the cause of the cirrhosis and symptoms the patient has. Patients with cirrhosis need to exercise caution in taking medications, including over the counter vitamins and herbal supplements, because of their ill effects on the liver as well as altered metabolism of the drugs by the cirrhotic liver. Patients with cirrhosis need to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Even though hepatitis A does not cause cirrhosis, it can damage the liver further in a cirrhosis patient. A flu shot and vaccination against pneumonia are also recommended. Avoidance of eating raw oysters and other raw shellfish is important as these can harbor bacteria that can cause serious infections in people with cirrhosis.

TREATMENT OF COMPLICATIONSEDEMA AND ASCITES These conditions are treated by a low-salt diet and water pills (diuretics) like spironolactone and furosemide. If the ascites persists, one might need removal of the fluid via insertion of a small needle into the abdominal cavity in a procedure called paracentesis. Occasionally, the fluid may become infected with bacteria, a condition called spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

(SBP), which can be serious, and requires antibiotic therapy.

BLEEDING FROM VARICESBecause of portal hypertension, there is engorgement of veins in the esophagus and upper stomach, resulting in varicose veins called varices, which can rupture and bleed. The bleeding is usually severe and can be fatal without prompt treatment. The variceal bleeding usually causes the patient to vomit blood or coffee ground-looking material and/or have dark stools (called melena: blood made dark by exposure to stomach acid). These patients need urgent hospitalization and require blood transfusions and medications to lower the pressure of abdominal veins. The bleeding varices are typically treated with endoscopy and the bleeding veins are tied off using rubber bands or are injected with sclerosing agents to stop the blood flow and to obliterate the varices. If these measures fail, a shunt can be deployed in the liver connecting the portal vein and hepatic vein, thus decompressing the high pressure system. This is called TIPS, or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic

imaging tests, such as an abdominal sonogram, a CT and an Mri, are performed to evaluate the size and texture of the liver, size of the spleen and to exclude tumors.

S Murthy Badiga, MD, FACGRenaissance Gastroenterology

5423 S. McColl, Edinburg TX 78539 (956)-362-3636902 S. Airport Dr., Weslaco TX 78596 (956)-973-2446

shunt, and is placed via the neck veins by specially trained radiologists. While TIPS is very effective in controlling the bleeding, it can result in elevated ammonia levels and encephalopathy because the blood flow through the shunt actually bypasses whatever little functional liver tissue that remains in the cirrhotic liver.

HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHYThis condition results from the declined refining capacity of the liver or decreased ability to remove the toxins from the food before it enters general circulation. These toxins essentially short circuit the brain and cause mental confusion, increased or altered sleep pattern and sometimes frank coma. The treatment involves restricting the patient to a 70g-protein diet and giving medications like lactulose and/or Rifaximin.

LIVER FAILUREIf the treatment measures outlined above do not work and the cirrhosis patient develops relentless worsening of the liver function resulting in liver failure, liver transplant can be a life saving option.

30 HEALTHY VALLEY

Osteoporosis, the loss of calcium from bones, is a silent disease: it doesn’t cause specific symptoms until it’s too late to prevent it. Unlike other conditions that manifest through more visible signs, this ailment develops inside the body, weakening the bones, making them more prone to fractures.

Due to the lack of specific manifestations, the diagnosis of osteoporosis is often delayed and made after one has suffered a fracture. Statistics show that one in two women aged 50 and above will break a bone due to osteoporosis, the risk of developing this condition being higher in women than in men.

The most common causes and risk factors of osteoporosis are well known: calcium deficiency, menopause, lack of physical activity and genetics all increase the risk of osteoporosis; smoking, taking drugs that affect hormone levels, high-dose corticosteroid treatment and having a low body mass index can also make one more prone to the condition.

HIDDEN SIGNS OF

IN wOMENOSTEOPOROSIS4

It is estimated that over 200 million people worldwide suffer from osteoporosis. Approximately 30% of all U.S. and European postmenopausal women have osteoporosis.

By Andreea Macoveiciuc

HealtHy body

1/2 PAGE (NO BLEED)7.5” x 4.75”

1/2 PAGE (NO BLEED)7.5” x 4.75”

32 HEALTHY VALLEY

HV

However, these aren’t the only potential triggers of osteoporosis and often the hidden ones speed up the onset of the disease more than the common causes. Given below are four less known factors that can indicate the presence of this osteoporosis.

1. KIDNEY STONES

Women who deal with kidney stones or acute forms of kidney disease are more likely to develop osteoporosis. The hormone that removes calcium from bones is called parathyroid hormone (PTH) and when the parathyroid glands release too much PTH, calcium levels inside the body are altered.

PTH regulates the amount of calcium stored in bones and muscles and the release of calcium from the kidneys into the urine. The mineral is easily available to the rest of the body, so when one of the parathyroid glands in hyperactive, the bones release calcium into the blood stream. The result is weaker bones and, in some cases, kidney stones form as well. Therefore, the presence of real lithiasis can indicate the presence of osteoporosis.

2. RECEDING GUMS

Although at first sight they may not seem connected, receding gums can be a sign of osteoporosis, as teeth are connected to the jaw bone. If the bone mass in the jaw decreases due to osteoporosis, gums can recede. Studies have found that women with receding gums are more likely to have a lower bone density in the vertebral bodies of the lumbar spine as well.

3. BRITTLE FINGERNAILS

Another less common sign that may indicate the presence of osteoporosis is the weakening of fingernails. Women with brittle and weak nails are more likely to suffer from low bone density, as it has been shown that those with

stronger bones have stronger and healthier nails as well. Yet, weakened fingernails can also be the result of working with chemical substances or keeping the hands in water for long intervals of time on a daily basis.

4. MUSCLE ACHES AND CRAMPS

Although the lack of calcium from bones is the main trigger of osteoporosis, there is one more mineral that is crucial for strong and healthy bones and, implicitly, for preventing the disease: vitamin D. Along with its role in building bones, vitamin D is also involved in keeping the muscles healthy and a lower-than-needed level of this mineral can cause muscle cramps, aches and pains while increasing the risk of

developing osteoporosis.

Women who often experience cramps, leg pain or muscle weakness should have their mineral levels checked, as these conditions may indicate a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Along with a loss in height and decreased grip strength, the symptoms above are very likely to occur in women who suffer from osteoporosis. So if you regularly experience cramps, leg pain or muscle weakness, make sure to see

a doctor regarding the possibility that you are developing osteoporosis.

Statistics show that 20% of Caucasian women older than 50 years are estimated to have osteoporosis, the percentage being almost identical in Asian-American women. Almost 5% of African-American women in the U.S. suffer from osteoporosis, while another 35% are estimated to have a decreased bone density and, therefore, a higher risk of developing the condition at a certain point in their lives.

Yet, keep in mind that, contrary to common belief, osteoporosis doesn’t affect only women or men aged 50 or more. The condition can occur in younger people as well, women in their 20s and 30s being prone to osteoporosis if their diets lack calcium and vitamin D, their lifestyles are rather sedentary or if they suffer from other ailments that favor the onset of osteoporosis.

HealtHy body

HV alteRNatiVe

By Consuelo Camarillo de Gonzalez Lic. A.C.

Painful menses, or dysmenorrhea, is defined as a medical condition in which the normal menses periods are accompanied by intolerable pain that limits daily activities. Primary dysmenorrhea can occur in women from the first menses to age 19, with the pain generally occurring a few hours before the period begins. Dysmenorrhea can also start after 20 years of age and usually is related to organic illness, with pain occurring days prior to start the menstrual period.

when painfulMENSTRUATIONoccurs,Acupuncture can help

Twenty-five percent of females have been affected by this distressful situation. This means that one in every four females is affected where time, work and activities are disrupted because of pain due to their periods. Furthermore, 67.2% of teenagers have been affected with 14% of them missing days of school.

Oriental medicine defines dysmenorrhea as a blockage of energy. Menses should be smooth and not blocked by pain. Sometimes the blockage is due to a mass obstruction that requires surgery if the mass is big. If the mass is small, Oriental medicine and acupuncture can help.

In Oriental medicine, the cause of menstrual pain is seen in a different way than in Western Medicine. It can be blamed on different conditions like emotional disorder, irregular diet, trauma or accident, overwork, wind or cold invasion, or blockage of a meridian, especially the Ren, Chong or Du channels that originate from the uterus.

When the Ren and Chong channels are blocked due to energy stagnated by excess dampness or blood stagnation, the pain usually is sharp, excruciating and averse to touch before the start of the period. When the Ren and Chong are blocked due to overwork or deficiency, pain comes or gets worse at the end of the period; this pain is dull, generalized and wants to be touched. When the pain is due to accumulation of cold in the uterus, the pain is sharp and cramping, is located in the lower abdomen and can come with chills. The extremities are cold and curled to cover the lower abdomen. This pain usually is alleviated by heat and prefers touch and a warm feeling.

Women suffering from dysmenorrhea can be helped through Oriental medicine and acupuncture techniques to avoid having this painful, frequent, missing-lifetime menses. At Behavioral Wellness Center, we can help you achieve an undisrupted happy life by providing Oriental medicine services. Give us a call to make an appointment.

36. TITLE BOXING CLUB

38. BINGE EATING DISORDER

40. COOLSCULPTING

Beauty

FITn

ESS

&hv

36 HEALTHY VALLEY

HV FitNess & beauty

If you are looking for fitness classes that help you burn a large number of calories and lose weight fast, then TITLE Boxing Club fitness classes are for you. TITLE Boxing Club is a fitness club that offers total body boxing and kickboxing workouts to help males and females burn about 1,000 calories per hour in each class.

TITLE Boxing Club

Obesity rates are increasing globally and with it the zest to get slim and fit. Various fitness and dietary techniques have sprung up in the recent past to accommodate the needs of those striving to lose weight and get fit. Total body boxing and kickboxing are two such exercise techniques that are growing in popularity.

TITLE BOXING CLUBSTITLE Boxing Club is a fitness club that offers total body boxing and kickboxing workouts for males and females. If you want to join a fitness club that offers group exercise classes and effective personal training, then TITLE Boxing Club is best suited for you.

TITLE BOXING CLUB OFFERS INTENSE FITNESS WORKOUTS FOR ANY FITNESS LEVELAt TITLE Boxing Club fitness workouts are effec-tive and intense for the whole body and all fit-ness levels. The total body boxing and kickboxing workouts help to strengthen core muscles faster than any other exercise.

EXPLOSIVE TOTAL BODY WORK OUT IN ONE HOURWelcome to the Power Hour. During this hour, you can burn up to 1,000 calories, depending on the intensity of your workout, thereby losing weight and burning fat at the same time. The workout hour is developed according to individual fitness levels. Whether a beginner or an expert, there are exercise schedules for all abilities.

POWER HOUR FITNESS CLASSESAt TITLE Boxing Club, we have crafted total body group workout plans that are a combination of cardio and toning exercises through boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts. You have the option to choose from two types of Power Hour classes—boxing and kickboxing. The Power Hour fitness classes at TITLE Boxing Club are differ-ent from any of the fitness classes you may have taken before. You will get the support of the best trainers and get proven results with the high in-tensity workout of each Power Hour session.

By Dr. Ritu Goel

1/2 PAGE (NO BLEED)7.5” x 4.75”

1/2 PAGE (NO BLEED)7.5” x 4.75”

38 HEALTHY VALLEY

HM HealtHy body

According to the American Psychiatric Association (2013), BED is identified by recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by (1) eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat during a similar period of time under similar circumstances and (2) a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (i.e., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much is eaten).

The binge eating episodes are associated with three or more of the following: eating much more rapidly than normal; eating until feeling uncomfortably full; eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry; eating alone due to embarrassment by how much one is eating; feeling and disgusted with oneself, depressed or very guilty after overeating. Additionally, marked distress regarding binge eating is present; binge eating occurs, on average, at least once per week for three months or more; and binge eating is not associated with compensatory behaviors.

By Megan Clunan, MA, LMHC, LPC

Current research statistics

state that approximately 2%

of the general population

meets the diagnostic criteria

for Binge Eating Disorder

(BED), with women being

the predominant sufferers.

Binge EatingDISORDER

Multiple studies note the correlation between BED and mood disorders, namely major depression. Noting the connection, the American Psychiatric Association (2013) recognizes that changes of an individual’s weight, activity and eating are diagnostic criteria for depressive disorders. The National Institute of Mental Health states that women are up to 70% more likely to experience major depression than their male counterparts. Women deal uniquely with hormone fluctuations, societal pressures and stress, and such uniqueness can occasionally create dysfunction, leading to much larger issues like BED.

Women are processors and typically circular rather than linear in thinking. As a result, every situation has the potential to be long-impacting upon a woman’s world. What matters is knowing oneself well enough to understand personal limits, identifying and pursuing what refuels rather than depletes, and establishing personal balance within the big five constructs — emotional, physical, spiritual, relational and mental. The aforementioned healthy controls hinge on one knowing who he/she is and what works for him/her

rather than comparing oneself to another. What is healthy for one individual may not be healthy for another. Take the time to understand who you are, evaluate where balance is required but perhaps lacking, work to re-establish balance, and believe in yourself and that what you have to offer is worth such an effort.

In a sample survey of female patients within primary care centers and obstetric gynecology medical clinics, those with BED noted higher levels of health problems, lower levels of social functioning and a greater amount of disability than those without reported eating disorders, even when data was controlled for comorbid psychiatric disorders. A community-based study discovered that BED patients were significantly more likely to use healthcare services for the treatment of emotional and physical problems than healthy subjects. Utilizing healthy means regarding emotions, thoughts and behaviors is key to maintaining health and keeping much larger issues, such as major depression or BED, at bay.

AD PAGE

40 HEALTHY VALLEY

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE MAIN POINTS THAT MAKE COOLSCULPTING STAND OUT, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE T2T PROTOCOLS?

Dr. Burns - Plenty of companies claim to achieve non-invasive fat reduction.CoolSculpting actually delivers, and does so in a tolerable and reliable fashion. It’s almost too good to be true.

WHAT CAN PATIENTS EXPECT AS FAR AS TREATMENT TOLERABILITY?

Dr. Dover - As the applicator draws in the tissue and treatment begins, there is a squeezing sensation that some find uncomfortable at first, but just when the patient begins to wonder if it’s going to be tolerable, the treatment area becomes numb and the procedure is much more comfortable. After, there may be some easily managed discomfort and tenderness, which resolves within a few days. Patients may feel numbness or tingling for a few weeks, but that also resolves quickly. Bruising is uncommon.

Grant Stevens, M.D. - I was the first patient in my practice. It may seem in some way uncomfortable during the first five minutes and we take care to stay with patients in the early period, but soon afterward you do not feel anything. People fall asleep. I am pretty healthy person and I take care of myself, but after a short while my pants were practically falling off and I didn’t have to make lifestyle changes. That’s a powerful example for my patients.

WHAT ABOUT THE PROCEDURE ITSELF? WHAT STEPS DO YOU TAKE TO ENSURE THE BEST TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES FROM COOLSCULPTING?

Ms. Pietrzak - The T2T concept really encapsulates my technique with CoolSculpting.In my capacity, I work with Crant Steven, M.D., an early adopter of the technology, and am on of the first to perform T2T on a large scale in practice. I have probably performed more cycles of CoolSculpting than anyone else in the world. So I can say with authority that a complete, 360° assessment is the key to approaching the high expectations of the patients. One must look at the whole body and the orientation of fatty deposits, not just as a series of bulges to be reduced. Setting expectations requires me to educate patients properly as well, explaining how much one can expect with one series of sessions versus additional applications, and how the results mature over time.

IN LIGHT OF THE CURRENT INDUSTRY TRENDS AND CLIMATE, WHY IS IT A GOOD TIME TO OFFER CoolSculpting TREATMENTS?

Dr. Stevens - People want body contouring without discomfort, risk or anesthesia, without needing to miss work or play time, and they want results. CoolSculpting provides all of these, and with T2T we can, over a period of months of performing numerous cycles, achieve results very similar to those seen with liposuction, without the hassles. The cost is about the same when you consider liposuction, versus several months of regular CoolSulpting sessions, but the outcomes are more natural looking and were achieved non-invasively with minimal discomfort or inconvenience. The truth is, the number of people who want body sculpting fat outweighs the amount of people actually willing to undergo liposuction and pay the big cost up front along with lost income due to downtime; endure the procedure and downtime; or accept the risk that goes with any invasive surgery. The cost of CoolSulpting is spread out over time, you don’t lose income, treatment is extremely tolerable and there is no downtime.

Grant Stevens, M.D.Plastic SurgeonMarina Plastic SurgeryMarina Del Rey, CA

A. Jay Burns, M.D.Plastic SurgeonEpiCentre Skin CareDallas. TX

Laura Pietrzak, PHMarina Plastic SurgeryMarina Del Rey, CA

Jeffrey Dover, M.D.DermatologistMedical DirectorSkinCare PhysiciansChestnut Hill, MA

1 PAGE AD (BLEED SIZE)8.5” x 11” + 0.25” BLEED

CA

LE

ND

Ar

CoMMUNiTY EVENTShvMay 17 RGV Diabetes Association’s Camp Energy for Adults9:00 AM – 5:30 PMEducational camp to help better manage diabetesCamp Energy, Mission. Cost: $15.00 per person, application and fee due May 3rd. For more information, call the RGVDA at 956-782-1900.

Childbirth Classes8:00 AM – 5:00 PMRio Grande Regional Hospital: Classrooms 1AB101 E. Ridge Rd.For more information, call 956-661-3110.

Monday“Doing Healthy Right” Weight Loss Class 12:00 PM and 5:30 PMThe Wellness Center at Renaissance5525 Doctors Dr., EdinburgFor more information, call 956-362-5610.

Every 2nd MondayBariatric Patients Support Group6:00 PM – 7:00 PMRio Grande Regional HospitalClassroom 1A&B101 E. Ridge Rd., McAllenFor more information, please call, Jennifer Trevino, RN at 956-661-3560.

Every 3rd MondayBariatric Patients Support Group6:00 PM – 7:00 PMValley Regional Hospital100 E. Alton Gloor Blvd., BrownsvilleFor more information, please call, Jennifer Trevino, RN at 956-661-3560.

Every 1st WednesdayCar Seat Inspection Station4:00 PM – 5:00 PMEdinburg Children’s Hospital1102 W. Trenton Rd., EdinburgFor more information, call 956-388-6519.

Every TuesdayDiabetes Education Class (call for Spanish class)1:00 PMSponsored by South Texas Health SystemMcAllen Medical Center, 3 East Classroom301 W. Expressway 83, McAllenFor more information, call 956-971-5850.

Every 2nd TuesdayWeight-Loss Surgery Support Group Meetings6:00 PM – 7:00 PMWeight-Loss Surgery Center416 Lindberg Ave., Ste. B, McAllenFor more information, call 956-664-9611.

Every 3rd TuesdaySpanish: Alzheimer’s Support Group 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMSouth Texas Behavior Health Center2101 W. Trenton Rd., EdinburgFor more information, call 956-388-1300.

Every 3rd Tuesday FREE Monthly Cooking Class5:30 PMRGV Diabetes Association2007 W. Owassa Rd., Edinburg For more information, call 956-782-1900.

Every WednesdayCancer Support Group 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMHosted by H.O.P.E. – Helping Other Patients EmotionallyFree to cancer patients and caregiversNew McAllen Public Library, Conf. Rm. B4001 N. 23rd St., McAllenFor more information, call 956-624-3840 or email grouphope@groupmail.com.

Every 1st WednesdayLa Leche League 9:30 AM – 11:30 AMSupports and encourages mothers who want to breastfeedEdinburg Children’s Hospital, 2nd Floor Family Room1102 W. Trenton Rd., EdinburgFor more information, call Ann at 956-682-9770.

1st and 3rd WednesdaysBreast Cancer 101 (Support Group)English @ 5:30 PM & Spanish @ 10:00 AMFor women onlyTexas Oncology-McAllen1901 South Second Street, McAllen, TXFor more information, call (956) 687-6169 or send email to lucy.keith@fleishman.com.

Every 3rd WednesdayFree Mall Walkers Meetings9:00 AMSunrise Mall in Brownsville (in Luby’s Restaurant)Sponsored by Valley Baptist Medical Center-BrownsvilleFor more information, call 956-389-1950 or visit www.ValleyBaptist.net.

Every 1st ThursdayUS TOO Prostate Cancer Support Group7:00 PMTexas Oncology-McAllen, Community Conference Room1901 South Second Street, McAllenFor more information, contact Anthony Sala at 956-687-5150 or anthony.sala@usoncology.com.

1/2 PAGE (NO BLEED)7.5” x 4.75”

1/2 PAGE (NO BLEED)7.5” x 4.75”

1 PAGE AD (BLEED SIZE)8.5” x 11” + 0.25” BLEEDWe know how important time is in diagnosing and treating

stroke. That’s why we’ve made Valley Baptist your destination

for award-winning, around-the-clock emergency stroke care.

We’re an advanced primary stroke center in Brownsville with

an expert stroke team ready to act F.A.S.T.

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recognize this hospital for achieving 85% or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Performance Achievement indicators for consecutive 12 month intervals and 75% or higher compliance with 5 of 8 Get With The Guidelines Stroke Quality Measures to improve quality of patient care and outcomes in addition to achieving Time to Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy ≤ 60 minutes in 50% or more of applicable acute ischemic stroke patients (minimum of 6) during one calendar quarter.

Visit us online at ValleyBaptist.net/stroke to learn more and take our stroke risk assessment.

WHEN STROKE STRIKES, ACT F.A.S.T. AND GET TO EMERGENCY CARE.

ACTF.A.S.T.AND GET HELP.

for stroke.DON’T WAIT

Face drooping

Arm weakness

Speech difficulty

Time to call 9-1-1

F

A

S

T

LEARN THE SIGNS OF STROKE

Valley Baptist Medical Center Brownsville • 1040 West Jefferson Street • Brownsville, TX 78520

Valley Baptist Medical Center Harlingen • 2101 Pease Street • Harlingen, TX 78550